الفصل الرابع عشر

الفصل الرابع عشر

Now it must be told that Lei Heng arrived at the Lingguan Hall and found the big fellow there, sleeping on the offering table. The militia soldiers moved forward, bound him with ropes, and dragged him away from the hall. It was still early—the fifth watch of the night. Lei Heng said, "Let us take this fellow to Village Head Chao's manor and beg some refreshments before we escort him to the county yamen for questioning." The whole party made their way to the village head's manor.

Now this village head of Dongxi Village was surnamed Chao, given name Gai. His family had been wealthy households of the county for generations. All his life he had been generous with his wealth and made a point of befriending bold men from every corner of the land. Whoever came to seek his shelter, good or bad, he would keep on in his manor. When they wished to leave, he would give them silver to help them on their way. He was most fond of spearplay and staff-fighting, and he himself was powerful and strong. He had never taken a wife, spending all his days toughening his body. Under the jurisdiction of Yuncheng County, outside the East Gate there were two villages: Dongxi Village and XiXi Village, separated only by a broad stream. In the old days, XiXi Village was plagued by ghosts who in broad daylight lured people into the stream to drown, and nothing could be done about it. One day a monk passed through, and the villagers told him the whole story in detail. The monk pointed out a spot and told them to carve a pagoda from blue stone, to set it in that place and suppress the stream bank. Thereupon the ghosts of XiXi Village were all driven across to Dongxi Village. When Chao Gai learned of this, he flew into a rage. He strode across the stream, seized the blue stone pagoda single-handedly, and carried it back to set it down in Dongxi Village. For this reason everyone called him "Pagoda-Lifting Heavenly King." Chao Gai ruled alone over that village, and the whole江湖 knew his name.

Presently Lei Heng and the militia soldiers, with the man under arrest, arrived at the manor and knocked at the gate. The retainers inside heard the news and reported it to the village head. Chao Gai had not yet risen. On hearing that Constable Lei had arrived, he hastily ordered the gate opened. The retainers opened the manor gate, and the soldiers first hung the man up in the gatehouse. Lei Heng himself led a dozen or so of his chief men to the thatched hall and sat down. Chao Gai rose to receive them and asked, "What official business brings the constable here?" Lei Heng replied, "By order of the county magistrate, Constable Zhu Tong and I have each led our militia to patrol the countryside in separate directions, hunting bandits and thieves. We were exhausted from walking and wished to rest briefly, so we came straight to your honored manor for a short respite—forgive the disturbance to your sleep." Chao Gai said, "That is no trouble at all!" He ordered his retainers to prepare wine and food, and first brought soup to drink. Chao Gai then asked, "Has our humble village caught any petty thieves?" Lei Heng said, "Just now, in the Lingguan Hall up ahead, there was a big fellow sleeping there. I could tell at a glance that he was no decent sort—probably drunk, and so he fell asleep. We bound him with ropes. We had meant to take him straight to the county yamen to see the magistrate, but for one thing it was still too early, and for another we thought the village head ought to know, in case the magistrate asks about it later—you would then have an answer ready. He is now hanging in your gatehouse." Chao Gai heard this, kept it in mind, and said with thanks, "Much obliged to the constable for telling me." Shortly after, the retainers brought out plates of food and wine. Chao Gai called out, "This is not a good place to talk. Let us go sit instead in the rear pavilion." He ordered the retainers to light lamps and candles inside and invited the constable to come in for a cup. Chao Gai took the host's seat; Lei Heng sat in the guest's place. Once they were seated, the retainers spread out fruits, appetizer dishes, vegetables, and food. As the retainers poured the wine, Chao Gai also ordered wine bought for the militia soldiers and the rest of the men. The retainers invited the others to the corridor to be entertained, with large platters of wine and meat for them to eat freely. Chao Gai entertained Lei Heng with wine while inwardly thinking to himself, "What petty thief could the village have caught? Let me go and see for myself who it is." After five or seven cups of wine, he called out one of his stewards: "Keep the company of the constable for a while. I will be back after I wash my hands."

The steward sat with Lei Heng and drank. Chao Gai took a lantern and went straight to the gate tower to have a look. The soldiers had all gone to drink wine—not a single one was outside. Chao Gai asked the gate-keeping retainer, "Where is the thief the constable caught?" The retainer said, "He is locked in the gatehouse." Chao Gai pushed open the door and looked inside. There, hung high up, was the fellow, his dark flesh exposed, his legs covered in thick black hair below, his feet bare. Chao Gai held the lantern up to the man's face: a broad, purplish-black face, a red birthmark at the temple, and above it a patch of dark yellowish hair. Chao Hai asked, "Fellow, where are you from? I have never seen you in our village." The man said, "I am a traveler from a distant place. I came here to seek out a certain man, but they have arrested me as a thief. I have my defense to make." Chao Gai said, "Whom did you come to seek in this village?" The man said, "I came to seek a bold hero in this village." Chao Gai said, "What is this hero called?" The man said, "He is called Village Head Chao." Chao Gai said, "What business do you have with him?" The man said, "He is a righteous hero known throughout the land. I have a great fortune to tell him about—that is why I came." Chao Gai said, "Wait here. I am Village Head Chao. If you want me to save you, you must claim to be my sister's son. In a moment, when I escort Constable Lei's prisoner out, you call me 'maternal uncle,' and I will claim you as my nephew. Say that you left here when you were four or five years old and have come now to find your uncle—that is why you don't recognize the place." The man said, "If you would rescue me thus, I am deeply grateful for your great kindness. I beg this bold hero to help me!" Truly:

*Sound asleep on an ancient shrine's stone floor,*

*Now hangs in bonds outside a thatched cottage door.*

*A fortune stolen—heaven will not condone—*

*Chao Gai breaks the siege, a deed of courage shown.*

At that time, Chao Gai took up a lantern and came out of his room, pulled the door shut again, and hastened to the rear hall to see Lei Heng. "I have been most remiss as a host," he said. Lei Heng replied, "We have imposed on you far too much—it is hardly proper." They drank several more cups of wine, and then a glimmer of daylight appeared through the window. Lei Heng said, "The east is lightening. I must take my leave and go to the county office to report for roll call." Chao Gai said, "You are an officer of the law—I dare not detain you too long. If ever you have business in our humble village, be sure to visit us." Lei Heng said, "I shall certainly come again to pay my respects—no need for the Village Head to instruct me. Please, do not trouble to see me out." Chao Gai said, "Very well, but I shall at least see you to the manor gate."

The two walked out together. The soldiers had all been given food and wine and had eaten their fill. Each took up his spear or staff, went to the gatehouse, untied the man they had bound, pinioned him, and led him outside. Chao Gai saw him and said, "A fine big fellow!" Lei Heng said, "This is the thief we caught at the Temple of the Spirit Official."

Before he had finished speaking, the man called out, "Uncle, save me!" Chao Gai pretended to look him over and demanded, "Isn't this fellow Wang Xiaosan?" The man said, "I am he. Uncle, save me." Everyone was startled. Lei Heng asked Chao Gai, "Who is this man? How does he know you, Village Head?" Chao Gai said, "He is actually my sister's son, Wang Xiaosan. What was he doing sleeping in the temple? He is my elder sister's child. He lived here from a young age, but when he was four or five, he went with my sister and her husband to Nanjing, and was gone for more than ten years. He came back once when he was fourteen or fifteen, traveling with a merchant from the capital who was trading here, and I haven't seen him since. I have often heard people say he has turned out badly—what is he doing here? I wouldn't have recognized him myself, except for that patch of cinnabar birthmark on his temple, which is how I vaguely knew him." Chao Gai shouted, "Xiaosan, why didn't you come straight to see me? Instead you went to the village to steal!" The man cried, "Uncle, I didn't steal anything!" Chao Gai shouted, "If you didn't steal, how did they catch you here?" He snatched a staff from one of the soldiers and began striking the man about the head and face. Lei Heng and the others pleaded, "Don't hit him yet—let him speak." The man said, "Uncle, calm yourself and listen to me. I came through here once when I was fourteen or fifteen, and that was ten years ago. Last night I had too much to drink on the road and didn't dare come see you. I went to the temple to sleep it off, planning to find you when I woke. I never expected them to seize me without asking any questions. I never stole anything." Chao Gai raised his staff to strike again, cursing, "You beast! Why didn't you come straight to me? Instead you went swilling that yellow brew on the road—as if my house didn't have enough to drink, you disgrace!" Lei Heng interceded, "Village Head, calm yourself. Your nephew never stole anything. We saw this big fellow sleeping in the temple under suspicious circumstances—he was a stranger and we didn't know him, so we had our doubts and brought him here. Had we known he was your nephew, we never would have seized him." He ordered the soldiers to quickly untie the ropes and release the man to the Village Head. The soldiers immediately set the man free. Lei Heng said, "Village Head, forgive us. Had we known he was your nephew, this would never have happened. We have gravely offended you. We will take our leave now." Chao Head said, "Captain, stay a moment. Please come into the manor—there is more I wish to discuss."

Lei Heng released the man, and they all went back into the thatched hall together. Chao Gai brought out ten ounces of silver and presented it to Lei Heng, saying, "Captain, I hope you will not think this too trifling and will accept it with a smile." Lei Heng said, "This is not at all necessary." Chao Gai said, "If you refuse it, you will be showing your displeasure with me." Lei Heng said, "Since it is your generous wish, I will accept it for now and find a way to repay you another day." Chao Gai told the man to bow and thank Lei Heng. Chao Gai then gave some silver to the soldiers as well, and escorted them all outside the manor gate. Lei Heng took his leave and departed with his soldiers.

Chao Gai brought the man to the rear chamber, gave him several changes of clothing, and put a headband on his head. Then he asked the man his name and where he was from. The man said, "My name is Liu Tang. My family is from Donglu Prefecture. Because of this patch of cinnabar birthmark on my temple, people call me the Red-Haired Demon. I have come specially to bring a fortune to you, Brother Village Head. Last night I got drunk and fell asleep in the temple, and before I knew it these fellows had seized me and bound me and brought me here. As the saying goes, 'Those with fate meet though a thousand miles apart; those without fate pass each other face to face and do not meet.' How fortunate that I have found you here today. Please sit, Brother, and receive my four bows." When he had finished bowing, Chao Gai said, "You say you've brought me a fortune. Where is it?"

Liu Tang said, "I have roamed the rivers and lakes since youth and traveled many roads, and I have always sought to make the acquaintance of brave men. I have often heard of your great name, Brother, and never expected fate would bring us together. I have seen merchants from Shandong and Hebei who deal in contraband goods come to seek your protection, and that is why I dare speak so. Since there are no outsiders here, I can speak openly and frankly to you." Chao Gai said, "Everyone here is someone I trust completely. Speak freely."

Liu Tang said, "I've learned that Grand Secretary Liang of the Grand Prefecture of Daming in the north has purchased a hundred thousand strings of gold, pearls, treasures, and curios, and is sending them to the Eastern Capital to celebrate his father-in-law Grand Tutor Cai's birthday. Last year he also sent a hundred thousand strings of gold and pearls, but halfway along the way, someone made off with it—and to this day, no one has been caught. This year he has again purchased a hundred thousand strings of gold and pearls, and will set out soon, trying to arrive in time for the birthday on the fifteenth day of the sixth month. I think this is ill-gotten wealth—what harm would there be in taking it? We could discuss a plan to seize it along the road. If Heaven's principle knows of it, it would not count as a crime. I have heard of your great name, brother—you are a true man, with martial arts beyond the ordinary. I am no great talent myself, but I have also learned some skills. Never mind three or five men—even if I were in the midst of one or two thousand soldiers, I would not fear them with a spear in hand. If you would not look down on me, brother, I would like to offer you this fortune. What do you think?"

Chao Gai said, "Magnificent! Let us discuss it further. Since you have come all this way, you must have endured some hardships. Go rest in the guest quarters first. I will consider this at length and we can speak again tomorrow." Chao Gui had a servant lead Liu Tang to a guest room in the side corridor to rest. The servant conducted him to the room and then went about his business.

Now Liu Tang, lying in the room, thought to himself: "What reason did I have to suffer so on this trip? Fortunately Chao Gai helped me through it and resolved the matter. But that scoundrel Lei Heng—he swindled Squire Chao out of ten taels of silver for nothing, and hung me up for a whole night! He can't have gone far. I'll grab a staff, catch up with him, beat those fellows senseless, take back the silver, and return it to Chao Gai. That will vent my anger too. This plan is excellent!" So Liu Tang left the room, took a broadsword from the weapon rack, walked out of the manor gate, and strode south in pursuit. By now the sky had brightened. He saw:

The Dipper first stretched across, the east about to turn white.

At the edge of the world the dawn light had just begun to show; at the sea's corner the fading stars gradually sank.

The golden cock crowed thrice, summoning beauties to powder and rouge;

The precious horses neighed frequently, urging travelers to contend for fame and profit.

A few streaks of rose-red clouds lay across the azure River of Heaven; a single red sun rose above the Fusang tree.

This "Red-Haired Devil" Liu Tang, gripping his broadsword, had covered five or six li when he spied Lei Heng leading his militia soldiers, slowly making their way along. Liu Tang caught up and bellowed, "You there, don't run away, Constable!"

Lei Heng was startled. He turned and saw Liu Tang brandishing a broadsword as he bore down on him. Lei Heng hastily snatched a broadsword from one of his soldiers and shouted, "What do you mean by chasing after me, you wretch?"

Liu Tang said, "You sensible fellow—leave behind those ten taels of silver and give them back to me, and I'll spare you!"

Lei Heng said, "Your uncle gave them to me. What business is it of yours? If I didn't consider your uncle's face, I'd finish you off right here—and you dare ask me for silver?"

Liu Tang said, "I am no thief! You hung me up for a whole night and swindled my uncle out of ten taels of silver. If you're smart, give them back to me and we'll be square. If you don't, I'll make you bleed before your very eyes!"

Lei Heng flew into a rage and cursed at Liu Tang: "You lying scoundrel who disgraces your own family—how dare you be so insolent!"

Liu Tang said, "You filthy scoundrel who cheats and oppresses the common people—how dare you curse me!"

Lei Heng cursed again: "Thief's head, thief's face, thief's bones—you'll surely drag Chao Gai down with you! With a thieving heart and thieving liver like yours, I can't let you get away with this!"

Liu Tang was furious. "I'll settle this with you!" He brandished his broadsword and charged straight at Lei Heng.

Lei Heng saw Liu Tang coming at him, laughed aloud, and raised his broadsword to meet him. The two clashed on the main road, and it was like this:

Back and forth they moved, like phoenixes turning their bodies;

Charging and thrusting, like hawks spreading their wings.

One thrust followed proper technique;

One parry showed natural understanding.

This one advanced with a T-shaped stance;

That one rushed in with a four-transformation maneuver.

Two lines say:

Though they may not be painted in the Lingyan Pavilion,

Yet they are worthy of being captured in a painting.

At that time, Lei Heng and Liu Tang fought on the road for more than fifty bouts with neither gaining the upper hand. The militia soldiers saw that Lei Heng could not defeat Liu Tang and were about to rush forward together to overwhelm him. Just then, from a side gate in the fence, a man came out holding two copper chains. He called out, "You two fine fellows, stop fighting! I have been watching for some time. Rest for a moment—I have something to say." With that, he thrust his copper chains between them. Both men put away their broadswords, leaped out of the fighting circle, and stood still.

Looking at this man, he appeared to be dressed like a scholar. On his head he wore a bucket-shaped forehead-wrapping kerchief with a raised ridge; his upper garment was a wide robe of black-edged hemp cloth; around his waist he had a sash of tea-brown brocade. Below, silk shoes and clean stockings. He had refined eyebrows, bright eyes, a pale face, and a long beard. This man was Wu Yong, styled Xuejiu, known by the sobriquet Master Jialiang, a native of this very county. There was once a "Lin Jiang Immortal" poem praising Wu Yong's qualities:

Ten thousand volumes of classics he has read through,

All his life his mind has been sharp and clever.

The Six Strategies and the Three Tactics he has studied to perfection.

In his breast he hides generals in battle,

In his belly he conceals mighty soldiers.

In scheming he would dare to rival Zhuge Liang,

In talent Chen Ping could no more match him.

With but a small stratagem he startles gods and ghosts.

By style he is called Wu Xuejiu,

By nickname the "Resourceful Star."

At that time, Wu Yong raised his copper chain and pointed at Liu Tang, calling out: "Hold there, you fellow! Why are you quarreling with the constable?"

Liu Tang stared at Wu Yong with his bare eyes and said: "This doesn't concern you, scholar!"

Heng interjected: "Professor, you don't know about this. This fellow slept stark naked in the Lingguan Temple last night. We arrested him and brought him to Village Head Chao's manor. It turned out he was the Village Head's nephew. Out of respect for his uncle, we released him. Chao Tianwang treated us to wine and gave us some gifts. But this fellow, keeping it from his uncle, came all the way here demanding the gifts from me. Would you say this fellow isn't audacious?"

Wu Yong thought to himself: "Chao Gai and I have been close friends since childhood. Whenever there's a matter to attend to, he consults with me. I know all his relatives and acquaintances, yet I've never heard of this nephew. Moreover, their ages don't match at all—there must be something suspicious about this. Let me first stop this quarrel, then question him further."

Wu Yong then said: "Don't be so stubborn, my man! Your uncle and I are the best of friends, and he also gets along well with this constable. He gave these gifts to the constable as a gesture of goodwill. By coming here to demand them back, you'd be damaging your uncle's reputation. For my sake, let me speak to your uncle about this myself."

Liu Tang said: "Scholar, you don't understand. My uncle didn't willingly give these to him—the constable cheated my uncle out of his silver. If he doesn't return it to me, I swear I won't leave."

Heng said: "Only if the Village Head himself comes to claim them will I return them—but not to you."

Liu Tang said: "You wrongfully accused me of being a bandit and cheated the silver from my uncle. Why won't you return it?"

Heng said: "It's not your silver. I won't return it—won't return it!"

Liu Tang said: "You won't return it? Only if my broadsword agrees to let it be!"

Wu Yong urged again: "You two have been fighting all day without a victor. How long do you intend to carry on like this?"

Liu Tang said: "If he won't return my silver, I'll fight him to the death!"

Heng flew into a rage: "If I feared you, I'd be no hero even if a soldier came to help me. I'll simply run you through with my blade!"

Liu Tang, also enraged, pounded his chest and cried: "I'm not afraid! Not afraid!" and rushed forward. Heng, gesturing wildly, rushed to meet him. The two were about to clash again.

Wu Yong stepped between them to mediate, but he couldn't stop them. Liu Tang gripped his broadsword and was just about to charge through. Heng cursed him as "Thief! Thief!" over and over and raised his broadsword, ready to fight.

Then the soldiers pointed and said: "The Village Head is coming!"

Liu Tang turned and saw Chao Gai approaching from the main road, his robe thrown open at the front. Chao Gai roared: "You beast, have some manners!"

Wu Yong laughed heartily and said: "Only the Village Head himself could have stopped this quarrel."

Chao Gai arrived, panting heavily, and asked: "Why did you come all the way here fighting with broadswords?"

Heng said: "Your nephew came chasing after me with his broadsword demanding the silver. I told him: 'I won't return it to you, but I'll return it to the Village Head himself—this is no concern of yours.' He fought fifty rounds with me. The professor has been mediating here."

Chao Gai said: "This beast—I had no idea. Constable, for my sake, please withdraw. I will come to make amends another day."

Heng said: "I know this fellow is behaving like a fool, but I won't lower myself to his level. I'm sorry to have troubled the Village Head to come all this way." He took his leave and departed. Let us leave this matter here.

Now, Wu Yong said to Chao Gai: "If you hadn't come yourself, this would have turned into a serious incident. This nephew of yours is truly extraordinary—he has excellent martial skills. I watched from behind the fence. This famous Constable Heng, who is known for his skill with the broadsword, couldn't match him—he could only defend and parry. Had they fought a few more rounds, Heng would certainly have lost his life. That's why I hurried out to separate them. Where did this nephew come from? I've never seen him at the manor before."

Chao Gai said: "I was just about to request the professor's presence at my humble manor to discuss a matter. I was about to send someone for him, but he was nowhere to be found, and the broadsword from the weapon rack was also missing. Then a herdsman reported that a large man had taken a broadsword and headed south in a hurry. I quickly followed and was fortunate that the professor had already persuaded him to stop. Please honor my humble manor with your presence. There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Wu Yong returned to his study, hung his copper chain in the library, and told the host: "When the students come, tell them that the teacher has business today and is granting a day off."

There is a poem as proof:

Literary talent no less than martial skill,

A copper chain could still dissuade the broadsword.

He delights in bold talk with men of principle,

How could he bear to sit idly with mere youths?

He lets the caged birds fly free,

And allows the frogs to leap wild in the fields.

The teacher has always been fond of action—

The students rejoice, but the host is left in distress.

Wu Yong pulled the study door shut, locked it, and went with Chao Gai and Liu Tang to the Chao family manor. Chao Gai led them straight into the innermost recesses of the rear hall and they took their seats, host and guests apart. Wu Yong asked, "Headman, who is this man?" Chao Gai said, "A fine fellow from the rivers and lakes. His surname is Liu, his given name Tang, a native of Donglu Prefecture in Luzhou. He came to me with the prospect of a handsome fortune. Last night he fell drunk asleep in the Temple of the Spirit Official, but Lei Heng seized him and brought him to my manor. I claimed him as my nephew and so got him free. He says: 'The Grand Secretary Liang of Daming Prefecture in the north has collected a hundred thousand strings of cash and jewels to send to the Eastern Capital to celebrate the birthday of his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Cai. The convoy will pass by here before long. Such ill-gotten wealth—what harm is there in taking it?' The very reason he came matches a dream I had. Last night I dreamed of the seven stars of the Big Dipper falling straight onto the ridge of my roof, and a little star at the handle turned into a streak of white light and flew away. I thought: if the stars shine on my house, how can it not be fortunate? This very morning I was about to ask you, sir, to discuss this matter with me—what do you think of it?"

Wu Yong said with a smile, "This humble scholar saw something suspicious in the way Brother Liu came rushing here, and I've guessed seven or eight parts of it. This scheme would be a fine thing, but there's one difficulty: too many men cannot do it, and too few cannot do it either. Your manor has many retainers, but not a single one of them is any use. As it stands, there are only you, Headman, Brother Liu, and myself—how can we manage this business? Even if you and Brother Liu were ten times the men you are, you could not bear such a burden alone. This affair requires at least seven or eight good fellows; any more would be useless."

Chao Gai said, "Could it be that the number in the dream must be fulfilled?" Wu Yong replied, "This dream of yours, brother, is no small matter either. Could there be others from the north who will come to help?" Wu Yong pondered for a long while, then his brows lifted and a plan formed in his heart. "I have it! I have it!" Chao Gai said, "If you already have trusted heroes in mind, go and invite them at once, and we can bring this matter to completion."

Without haste, Wu Yong raised two fingers and spoke these words—words that would, in time, turn the gathered heroes of Dongxi Manor into bold brigands, and make fishing boats in Stone Tablet Village serve as warships. Truly:

*A mouth that spoke of heaven and earth with commanding ease,*

*Came to lure men who could churn the rivers and roil the seas.*

As for whom "The Resourceful Star" Wu Yong named, listen to the next chapter.